Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle called the head start a “blessing,” pointing out that Dallas has eight new players to acclimate.

“We’re going to have 31 days (of practice) before we play our first game, which is going to be helpful for us because we’ve all got to get to know each other and we’ve got to develop a team personality,” Carlisle said during Monday’s public introductions of Elton Brand, O.J. Mayo, Darren Collison, Dahntay Jones and Chris Kaman, in which media members and season ticket-holders invited to ask questions.

One new Maverick who is getting an extra-extra head start is Mayo, who is pencilled in at starting shooting guard. Mayo has been in Dallas since late July.

“He’s setting a great example for the younger, younger guys,” Carlisle said. “He’s really enthusiastic about being here.”

Added Carlisle: “We feel is a starting two guard in this league and that his best basketball is ahead of him.” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban went further, saying that Mayo has “star” potential.

Mayo said he thought it was important to arrive early to familiarize himself with Dallas, the practice facility and new coaches and teammates. He said he found a place to live in uptown, “about five minutes from the arena. I come here at night and early in the morning to get work in.”

Mayo said most of the workouts have been with fourth-year guard Roddy Beaubois, with assistant coach Darrell Armstrong putting them through drills. Mayo said that point guard Darren Collison settled into Dallas recently and has joined the workouts. Mayo and Collison are longtime summer workout partners, both having homes in Los Angeles. Mayo attended USC, Collison UCLA.

“We’re young gym rats,” Mayo said. “We’re competing in every drill. We don’t just shoot and warm up. It’s competition. That’s a good thing. I’m looking forward to getting alongside those guys and going to war.”

Along with individual workouts, there have been some lively scrimmages. Mayo and center Elton Brand said that Dirk Nowitzki made an appearance about three weeks ago and mostly did cardio work.

Brand was asked whether he thinks the Mavericks organization is still hungry for championships after winning the NBA title two years ago.

“You know, I wasn’t sure,” Brand said. “But I’ve seen guys in here working early. Dirk just left a week ago from training. Guys are still hungry. They like the way that championship felt. I think they want that feeling again.”